Dr. Ascunce DMD

Mouthguards And Teeth

Love being active in the sport you enjoy? Then keep on reading! Whether you are just mastering a sport or have tons of experience, sport mouth guards should always be a must in order to protect your pearly whites during games and even practices. You never know what can potentially come in contact with them that can cause a cracked, broken, or even lost tooth.

The Mouthguard Checklist:

  • Comfort
  • Reliability
  • Doesn’t interfere with speech or breathing
  • Immune to tearing

Mouthguard Types

Stock mouth protectors– these pre-made mouthguards are ready to go once purchased. Although they might not have a snug, custom fit, they won’t hurt your wallet and can be found at most sporting goods stores. Keep in mind that these may not be the most effective of the bunch.

Boil and bite mouth protectors– stemming from its name, you must boil the mouthguard in water in order to shape it accordingly to your mouth from biting into the warm, soft plastic. These guys can also be found at most sporting goods stores.

Custom-made mouth protectors– these are the best of the bunch! These mouthguards are crafted in a dentist’s office or laboratory Although they are the most expensive, they are made to fit your teeth perfectly with maximum comfort and reliability.

Mouthguard Maintenance

It is best to get a new mouthguard after every season to get the most out of them. For maximum effectiveness, you must also make sure there is no bacteria-buildup by doing the following:

  • Make sure your mouthguard container is always clean
  • Keep mouthguard away from hot temperatures
  • Keep them out of reach of children and pets
  • Brush and rinse with toothpaste after every use

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Happy National Oral Cancer Awareness Month from your friends at Pediatric Dentistry of Florida! We enjoy looking out for anyone of all ages and hope to raise awareness, along with having friends and family being conscious of this topic as well.

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer includes any and all cancers of the mouth such as the tongue, the cheeks, and lips as well as the throat, sinuses, and other parts within the head and throat. The cancer, which often appears as a growth within the mouth, is caused by a mutation and growth in cells that can often then spread into other parts of the body.

By the Numbers

  • Approximately 45,750 people will be newly diagnosed in 2015
  • Of the 45,750 people diagnosed only about half will survive the next 5 years
  • 1 person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day
  • 115 people are newly diagnosed each day
  • IF DETECTED EARLY, a person’s survival rate increases to 80-90%

Who is at Risk?

Oral Cancer is twice as common in men as in women. In addition, those who chew or smoke tobacco, drink alcohol excessively, or are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time are more likely to develop Oral Cancer. While the average age for diagnosis is 62, this cancer can affect all ages. In addition, scientists have recently connected poor diet habits such as those without consistent fruit and vegetable intake to be at higher risk for developing this cancer. While it is certainly important to consider these risks, it’s also important to note that one in four of those diagnosed with Oral Cancer did not fall into any of the above risk factors.

The Power of Prevention

“Historically the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development.” – Oral Cancer Foundation

Milk And Teeth: The Perfect Match

To build strong bones, you must provide yourself with tons of calcium, which milk happens to have. In fact, it contains about 300 milligrams in one cup! So does drinking milk or eating dairy products benefit the strength and health of your teeth? The answer is yes, and here are some of the reasons why:

  • According to the National Institutes of Health, ninety-nine percent of calcium is stored in your teeth and bones.
  • Since baby teeth begin forming long before birth, expecting mothers should consume their “Recommended Dietary Allowance” of it: between 1000 and 1300 mg per day.
  • Milk and dairy products such as cheeses can actually reduce tooth decay.
  • Milk forms a protective coating on enamel that can prevent bacteria coming in direct contact with your teeth.

 

Overall, consuming plenty of milk and dairy can make your family’s teeth stronger and more decay-resistant, but, at the end of the day, incorporating a good oral care routine is key to preventing dental disease.

Dr. Ascune Joins Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers

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Dr. Leanet Ascunce, DMD has joined Pediatric Dentistry of Ft. Myers, Dr. Tim M. Verwest, DMD.  Dr. Ascunce obtained her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry from Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Ascunce is a graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Dentistry and completed her general practice residency program at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida International University.

Her professional affiliations include The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American and Florida Dental Associations.

Pediatric Dentistry of Ft Myers, Dr. Tim Verwest, DMD, is located in Ft. Myers and Port Charlotte. Dr. Verwest continues to provide pediatric dental care to children for the last 25 years. Areas of service include comprehensive dental exams, cleanings, composite fillings, dental hygiene education, extractions, fluoride treatments, sealants, sedation dentistry, space maintainers, x-rays and tooth nerve treatment. For more information, visit www.DrVerwest.com or (239) 482-2722.